Dr. Andrew David Lawe – General Surgeon | Trail, BC

Dr. Andrew David Lawe is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Trail and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Trail, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Lawe has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Lawe graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2000 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He also holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive training and certifications ensure he is well-equipped to provide comprehensive surgical care aligned with the latest standards and best practices in Canada.

His professional philosophy is centered around a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Lawe emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Lawe is committed to delivering the highest quality surgical services for the residents of Trail and surrounding communities. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring clear understanding and comfort for his patients.

Dr. Andrew Lawe provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Lawe addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Lawe addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Andrew Lawe is necessary.

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).

Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Lawe.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Lawe practices primarily at a surgical clinic located within a reputable medical facility in Trail's medical community. The clinic is situated conveniently within the Trail neighborhood, offering easy access from major healthcare facilities and accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The practice emphasizes a welcoming, patient-centered atmosphere, ensuring comprehensive care from initial assessment through recovery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Lawe do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Lawe, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Lawe provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Lawe?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Lawe doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Lawe to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Lawe after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Lawe?

You would typically be referred to Dr. Lawe if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Lawe?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Lawe varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Lawe will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Lawe ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Lawe may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Lawe has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Lawe perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Lawe is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Lawe's areas of focus within general surgery.

Does Dr. Lawe perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Lawe are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. Lawe whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

306-1101 Dewdney Ave
Trail, BC V1R 4T1

Clinic Phone: (250) 368-5511 | Clinic Fax: (250) 368-5516

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Lawe is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Lawe for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Lawe's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326303/Lawe%2CAndrew